The students are rallying against labor law reforms proposed by Labor Minister Myriam El Khomri earlier in March. The French government is desperately trying to battle high unemployment and has suggested cutting overtime pay for work beyond 35 hours.

Also according to the proposed reforms, employers would pay only 10 percent of overtime bonus, instead of the current 25 percent.

The protests were partially organized by a Facebook community called ‘Loi travail : non, merci’ (Labor reform: No, thanks). Arguing that the reforms concern all French citizens, the group has started a petition which has so far been signed by over 1 million people.

"We can’t adapt all the time to the employer's needs" Clement, a student protester against the reform, told L’obs newspaper.

In the city of Rennes, northwestern France, police deployed tear gas against demonstrators, French media reported. The activists staged rally at the local train station, disrupting traffic. The demonstrators occupied tracks and platforms.